An Account of Two Decades of Applied Research and Public Education 1969 to 1989

The Center for Lake superior Environmental studies (CLSES) was created in the late 1960's, a period of national environmental concern. The founding scientists, from the departments of biology, chemistry, geology and geography, focused their efforts on area resource problems linked to national concerns. In 1969, the Center w s off cially recognized through approval by the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents. The major objectives of CLSES were, and continue to be: -help identify, understand and solve environmental problems -perpetuate the professional growth of participating scientific and non-scientific staff -work with students in non-traditional learning experiences through involvement in applied research -develop facilities and equipment to increase both research and instructional opportunities -function as a regional information source on environmental questions and problems -integrate acquired knowledge into the classroom for the educational betterment of the student During its twenty years of existence, these goals have been met through the hard work of staff and students and the support of the University administration. Completed research has included studies on water quality, regional flora, mineral resources, Lake Superior and inland fish populations, red clay erosion, harbor sediment quality, air quality, bioaccumulation and toxic effects of organic chemicals, biodegradation of chemicals, chemical contamition of fish and other aquatic samples and structure-activity relationships for chemicals. The Center utilizes on-campus laboratory facilities equipped with hundreds of thousands of dollars of state-of-the-art equipment obtained from federal and private sources. Additional investigations are conducted at the Environmental Protection Agency Duluth laboratory through several cooperative agreements and contracts. Over 70 peer reviewed journal publications and in excess of 100 research reports have been produced by CLSES personnel. This report details the work and accomplishments of Center staff and students during the past two decades. Accounts are provided on the historical development of the Center and many of the important studies and evaluation programs undertaken. The funding agencies and staff who made this history of accomplishment possible are gratefully acknowledged